Lauren Smith is more than just a wily veteran on the Burnsville softball team.

The senior second baseman has been a member of the Blaze squad since 2006. She helped the school to its third Class 3A state championship a year ago.

Smith is batting .316 in her final season as the No. 1-ranked Blaze went a perfect 13-0 in South Suburban Conference play and finished the regular season with an overall record of 17-1. Smith also only committed two errors on the season.

Here is a closer look at Smith:

Best movie I've seen in the past year: "Inception."

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are ... "E.T." by Katy Perry; "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele; "Rocketeer" by Far East Movement.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Competitive; intelligent; hard-working.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I try to get as much homework done in study hall as I can, so I will have less left to do after practices and games.

How did you get started playing softball? I used to watch my older brother and sister play baseball and softball, and then I started playing Burnsville traveling fastpitch when I was 7 years old.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... excited but a little nervous because I was only in seventh grade.

What is your favorite pregame meal? A sandwich from Milio's.

Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Eagan is our biggest rival because we always have competitive games.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? My most memorable moment was winning the [Class 3A] softball state championship in 2010.

What did you work on in the offseason? In the offseason, I did physical therapy to recover from ACL reconstruction and ankle surgery.

What are your goals for the softball season? I want to help my team win a second consecutive state championship.

I know I have an edge on an opponent when ... the pitcher is afraid to throw me strikes.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? I would change the pitching distance in softball to 40 feet, like it used to be. I prefer the challenge of facing faster pitching.

When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do? I like to spend time with my family and friends.

In 10 years, I hope I'm ... a biomedical engineer.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Twins because baseball is my favorite professional sport.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? Take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses.